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I am excited to invite you to Christmas in July, brought to you by Abandoned Pet Rescue.
It begins with a Zoom Party, today, at 5pm. You can see all about it here:
Why do I like Abandoned Pet Rescue? Because they take care of dogs and cats that others cannot. They have a fun, caring community built around these dogs and cats. They usually have in-person events, but since it is 2020, Zoom and virtual events are the way to go....
All during July this year, I’ll be donating 10% of any painting sold to Abandoned Pet Rescue.
In honor of Simon, Ghost, and Tuxie…three cats that rescued Andy and me.
Please check out the links and others at the event. I’ll post more about them this month, too.
You can see lots of different paintings or order your own pet painting:
Goofy Cats
Seahorses
Abstract Palm Tree Paintings
Eekee Monsters for Adoption
See you there and online!
It begins with a Zoom Party, today, at 5pm. You can see all about it here:
Why do I like Abandoned Pet Rescue? Because they take care of dogs and cats that others cannot. They have a fun, caring community built around these dogs and cats. They usually have in-person events, but since it is 2020, Zoom and virtual events are the way to go....
All during July this year, I’ll be donating 10% of any painting sold to Abandoned Pet Rescue.
In honor of Simon, Ghost, and Tuxie…three cats that rescued Andy and me.
Please check out the links and others at the event. I’ll post more about them this month, too.
You can see lots of different paintings or order your own pet painting:
Goofy Cats
Seahorses
Abstract Palm Tree Paintings
Eekee Monsters for Adoption
See you there and online!
Your ticket is in the scan code, or here: https://us02web.zoom.usj/84904403272 or
Visit Abandoned Pet Rescue's Website (under events) to check out the local vendors that are participating in Shop Christmas in July: https://abandonedpetrescue.org/shop-christmas-in-july/
🎅From July 1 - July 31, a portion of sales from these generous vendors will be donated to APR so please get ready shop during July to support small businesses and help adoptable cats & dog at Fort Lauderdale’s No-Kill Animal Shelter. 🐶🐱
🎅Vendors will be showcasing their exciting products and gift ideas in Shop Christmas in July Kick-Off Zoom Party on July 1 @ 5PM - register to join the fun:
https://aprshopchristmasjulykickoff.eventbrite.com/
Visit Abandoned Pet Rescue's Website (under events) to check out the local vendors that are participating in Shop Christmas in July: https://abandonedpetrescue.org/shop-christmas-in-july/
🎅From July 1 - July 31, a portion of sales from these generous vendors will be donated to APR so please get ready shop during July to support small businesses and help adoptable cats & dog at Fort Lauderdale’s No-Kill Animal Shelter. 🐶🐱
🎅Vendors will be showcasing their exciting products and gift ideas in Shop Christmas in July Kick-Off Zoom Party on July 1 @ 5PM - register to join the fun:
https://aprshopchristmasjulykickoff.eventbrite.com/
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July is soooo summer, here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Andy and I will be in our pool, at baseball games, and probably outside on our South Florida back patio with all the fans turned on.
Here's a little about what's up during July, for pets and animals. All dates approximate.
Andy and I will be in our pool, at baseball games, and probably outside on our South Florida back patio with all the fans turned on.
Here's a little about what's up during July, for pets and animals. All dates approximate.
- National Lost Pet Prevention Month™. Learn how to keep your pets from becoming lost in this month-long observance launched by PetHub.
- July 1: ID Your Pet Day.
- July 4: Independence Day. This US holiday is no holiday for dogs; the sounds of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year.
- July 5: Pet Remembrance Day.
- July 10: Cow Appreciation Day.
- July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day.
- July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day. Sponsored by the The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), ADT Security Services and the American Kennel Club® (AKC).
- July 16: World Snake Day.
- July 21: National Craft for your Local Shelters Day.
- July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day.
- July 31: National Mutt Day. Also see Dec. 2.
Pick Me for Your Lap Sienna Blues Cat, 6 by 6inches, acrylics on wood, ©2018, $95 please contact me
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Before enjoying the paintings in this article, Kitchen Inspiration from Art History, I was aware how kitchens have evolved over time. Kitchens moved from outdoors to indoors, then from the edges of the house to the middle of the house. To really see how kitchens have changed, the link has some awesome paintings.
In our home, Andy is Chef. He's the one that makes scrumptious meals. I clean the kitchen. It works very well for us as I barely read recipes and he makes one-offs.
Check out some of the kitchens in art, here, and also let me know which is your favorite. Mine, I believe is a tie between Edouard Pingret, Cocina Poblana and Liza Lou, Kitchen, just for colors not so much functionality, lol! To choose one, click over to Kitchen Inspiration from Art History.
Oh! Question for you, all! Why is it when I watch a home show, it's the woman who squeals with delight over the kitchen makeover, or the kitchen makeover is mandatory, or the kitchen is the deal breaker? I can remember only a single man wanting the kitchen made over and that's because he was a stay-at-home with two small children. Why not the men? Aren't kitchens essential? Also, then why are top chefs mostly men if the home kitchen doesn't seem to matter to most men?
Bird with Pumpkin, Grapes, Basket, 23 by 30 inches, acrylics on paper, available for $450, not framed, SH $25 for rolled in tube. Items are from my studio stash of stuff for still lives, lol, not necessarily from our kitchen.
In our home, Andy is Chef. He's the one that makes scrumptious meals. I clean the kitchen. It works very well for us as I barely read recipes and he makes one-offs.
Check out some of the kitchens in art, here, and also let me know which is your favorite. Mine, I believe is a tie between Edouard Pingret, Cocina Poblana and Liza Lou, Kitchen, just for colors not so much functionality, lol! To choose one, click over to Kitchen Inspiration from Art History.
Oh! Question for you, all! Why is it when I watch a home show, it's the woman who squeals with delight over the kitchen makeover, or the kitchen makeover is mandatory, or the kitchen is the deal breaker? I can remember only a single man wanting the kitchen made over and that's because he was a stay-at-home with two small children. Why not the men? Aren't kitchens essential? Also, then why are top chefs mostly men if the home kitchen doesn't seem to matter to most men?
Bird with Pumpkin, Grapes, Basket, 23 by 30 inches, acrylics on paper, available for $450, not framed, SH $25 for rolled in tube. Items are from my studio stash of stuff for still lives, lol, not necessarily from our kitchen.
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The first ever drawing book was published in 1608 by Italian painter and printmaker Odoardo Fialetti.
For the first time, anyone could learn how to draw at home.
I wonder who is accredited with the first ever online drawing class? Yes, I Googled, but couldn’t find who has that credit.
For some awesome drawings from 1600s and forward, plus more about the story of drawing books and where the exhibit is being held, please click here:
https://hyperallergic.com/526880/how-europe-learned-to-draw/
In the meantime, you might find me drawing!
For the first time, anyone could learn how to draw at home.
I wonder who is accredited with the first ever online drawing class? Yes, I Googled, but couldn’t find who has that credit.
For some awesome drawings from 1600s and forward, plus more about the story of drawing books and where the exhibit is being held, please click here:
https://hyperallergic.com/526880/how-europe-learned-to-draw/
In the meantime, you might find me drawing!
Above: my studio armoire with most of my how to draw, etc. books. Yes, a 2020 goal is to organize it, lol!
Below: A detail section of a dog portrait, Maya. A basic skill for painting is drawing. I love painting pet portraits because it means I'm drawing, lol!
Below: A detail section of a dog portrait, Maya. A basic skill for painting is drawing. I love painting pet portraits because it means I'm drawing, lol!
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Do you enjoy “adult” beverages?
I already know you love art, because you’re reading this, lol.
Do you, like my Awesome Husband Bartender, like to play mixologist?
Then THIS is the link for you! https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/books-van-gogh/
It pairs the artwork with the drink! It gives you the recipe! My attention went to the red velvet martini. YUMMMMM. I’ll be checking our mixing supplies right after sharing this with you!
About this painting: 2 Pears with Silver Goblet
This is 8 by 10 inches, acrylics on canvas. It is on canvas, ready for you to frame. $150
I already know you love art, because you’re reading this, lol.
Do you, like my Awesome Husband Bartender, like to play mixologist?
Then THIS is the link for you! https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/books-van-gogh/
It pairs the artwork with the drink! It gives you the recipe! My attention went to the red velvet martini. YUMMMMM. I’ll be checking our mixing supplies right after sharing this with you!
About this painting: 2 Pears with Silver Goblet
This is 8 by 10 inches, acrylics on canvas. It is on canvas, ready for you to frame. $150
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Wow.
All I have left about current events and what's been happening.
How about we all take a break and welcome some new cats on my studio block?
The lovely at the top left is Moconi. She went home in January.
Maya is the lovely happy pup on the right. She also went home in January.
The first two cats were born during the Quarantine. The last one just came out of hiding, but had to share because it's sooooo appropriate!
All three are available and $80, 6x6 inches, acrylics on paper. If you'd like it have it ready to hang, $95 on 6x6 inch wood panel or $125 on 8x8 inch wood panel. Shipping and handling is extra.
All I have left about current events and what's been happening.
How about we all take a break and welcome some new cats on my studio block?
The lovely at the top left is Moconi. She went home in January.
Maya is the lovely happy pup on the right. She also went home in January.
The first two cats were born during the Quarantine. The last one just came out of hiding, but had to share because it's sooooo appropriate!
All three are available and $80, 6x6 inches, acrylics on paper. If you'd like it have it ready to hang, $95 on 6x6 inch wood panel or $125 on 8x8 inch wood panel. Shipping and handling is extra.
QuaranCati
Looking Forward to Something Good
I'm Allowed to Cry
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I love June. It's summertime. It's all about cats. Take a look at the pet holidays and you'll notice lots of Cat Days!
My favorite day? National Garfield the Cat Day.
My favorite day? National Garfield the Cat Day.
- Adopt-A-Cat Month (AH)
- Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (ASPCA)
- National Pet Preparedness Month
- National Microchipping Month
- June 2–8: Pet Appreciation Week
- June 4: Hug Your Cat Day
- June 8: Best Friends Day
- June 9: World Pet Memorial Day
- June 16–22: Animal Rights Awareness Week
- June 17–21: Take Your Pet to Work Week
- June 17: Take Your Cat to Work Day
- June 19: National Garfield the Cat Day
- June 21: Dog Party Day
- June 21: Take Your Dog to Work Day
- June 24: Cat World Domination Day
I used to send out calendar pages to my email subscribers. This was my painting for June: Hungry Cats See Through Aquarium, 14 by 11 inches, acrylics on canvas panel, ©2013. There should be a familiar looking cat in this painting, lol.
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Polchoir is French for "stencil." I just learned this while researching public domain Art Deco and Art Nouveau stencil designs!
Why public domain?
The good about buying stencils (or stamps):
When you purchase a stencil, you are supporting the artists and manufacturers that designed that stencil. Everyone wins.
The bad about using bought stencils (or stamps):
You are placing limitations on how many times you may use that stencil in designs for sale. I read the fine print on most things... I don't recall if it was a rubber stamp or a stencil but the item said "up to 10." If you're into scrapbooking and giving away your handmade cards, etc., you have no limits on how you use your purchased stencil (or stamp).
As much as possible, I seek to make my own. It's therapeutic making the cuts as well as freeing, lol. Cutting vinyl is sometimes better than drawing or sketching.
The photo shows one of my latest stencils, hand cut 10ml vinyl using an exacto knife and scissors. I used a slightly crumpled paper sheet to test it, with some "leftover" paint and a make up sponge. When I find a design I like, I manipulate it on my iPad, print, and then cut.
Why public domain?
The good about buying stencils (or stamps):
When you purchase a stencil, you are supporting the artists and manufacturers that designed that stencil. Everyone wins.
The bad about using bought stencils (or stamps):
You are placing limitations on how many times you may use that stencil in designs for sale. I read the fine print on most things... I don't recall if it was a rubber stamp or a stencil but the item said "up to 10." If you're into scrapbooking and giving away your handmade cards, etc., you have no limits on how you use your purchased stencil (or stamp).
As much as possible, I seek to make my own. It's therapeutic making the cuts as well as freeing, lol. Cutting vinyl is sometimes better than drawing or sketching.
The photo shows one of my latest stencils, hand cut 10ml vinyl using an exacto knife and scissors. I used a slightly crumpled paper sheet to test it, with some "leftover" paint and a make up sponge. When I find a design I like, I manipulate it on my iPad, print, and then cut.
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For me, it's day 58 of jobbing and staying home.
Like most of you, I can get bored. Sometimes, I actually enjoy feeling bored as it's been so rare the last few years. The bored feeling is like when I was 9 years old: forced to stay home and no resources to leave, nothing on TV and no Internet. These days, TV and Internet can be boring.
Am I the only one that finds most of these Zoom concerts and events boring? Like I'm watching TV and watching other people live?
Anyway. Back to drawing, and how you can continue or start, lol.
Most of us have pencils and paper. Our local Instacart uses a lot of paper bags. How about cutting some of the paper bags down and checking out the following links?
If you want to doodle with some kind of design, these are for you. The links are to tangelpatterns.com which is a fabulous site that started doing some tutorials last month. Here are only two links, but gets you there:
https://tanglepatterns.com/2020/04/kitchen-table-tangles-zentangle-for-children-featuring-molly-hollibaugh-tangling-with-her-daughters-indy-and-mazzy.html
https://tanglepatterns.com/2020/04/kitchen-table-tangles-zentangle-apprentice-lesson-2-with-molly-indy-and-mazzy.html
If you are trying to journal, or someone you know is trying to journal, Julie Balzar has kept up an art journal for YEARS. She might go page to page, but she does some back tracking and redesigning and adding of paint or papers. You can find her at https://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2020/04/art-journal-every-day-abstract-page.html where she also shows an abstract page. Explore her site for more ideas.
Me? I'm not really journaling these days. I do more like Julie Balzar: add, subtract, glue, write, repeat.
Like most of you, I can get bored. Sometimes, I actually enjoy feeling bored as it's been so rare the last few years. The bored feeling is like when I was 9 years old: forced to stay home and no resources to leave, nothing on TV and no Internet. These days, TV and Internet can be boring.
Am I the only one that finds most of these Zoom concerts and events boring? Like I'm watching TV and watching other people live?
Anyway. Back to drawing, and how you can continue or start, lol.
Most of us have pencils and paper. Our local Instacart uses a lot of paper bags. How about cutting some of the paper bags down and checking out the following links?
If you want to doodle with some kind of design, these are for you. The links are to tangelpatterns.com which is a fabulous site that started doing some tutorials last month. Here are only two links, but gets you there:
https://tanglepatterns.com/2020/04/kitchen-table-tangles-zentangle-for-children-featuring-molly-hollibaugh-tangling-with-her-daughters-indy-and-mazzy.html
https://tanglepatterns.com/2020/04/kitchen-table-tangles-zentangle-apprentice-lesson-2-with-molly-indy-and-mazzy.html
If you are trying to journal, or someone you know is trying to journal, Julie Balzar has kept up an art journal for YEARS. She might go page to page, but she does some back tracking and redesigning and adding of paint or papers. You can find her at https://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2020/04/art-journal-every-day-abstract-page.html where she also shows an abstract page. Explore her site for more ideas.
Me? I'm not really journaling these days. I do more like Julie Balzar: add, subtract, glue, write, repeat.
My watercolor kit, two favorite pens (Pilot Decimos from 411pens.com), two waterbrushes, all sitting on my sketchbook.
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There are so many things this month of May besides the whole Star Wars reference, lol.
I think my favorite is World Turtle Day, at the end of the month!
I think my favorite is World Turtle Day, at the end of the month!
- Chip Your Pet Month
- Pet Cancer Awareness Month (AKC)
- National Pet Month (U.S.)
- Responsible Animal Guardian Month
- National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
- Responsible Animal Guardian Month
- Lyme Disease Prevention Month
- May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
- May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day
- May 5–11: National Pet Week; Be Kind to Animals Week
- May 5: Mayday for Mutts
- May 6–11: Puppy Mill Action Week
- May 10: National Hamster Day
- May 11: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
- May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
- May 23: World Turtle Day
This isn't a mutt, but had to share this cutie pie I painted for a gift for Beth. This little character kept me in smiles while we shared my imaginary studio pet playground. He's 8 by 8 inches, acrylics on wood panel. If you'd like your own pet painting, see below for more info!
